AUCCPS

American University Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies

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Thanks for joining us today. We will have stories and video posted on our site by tomorrow: http://www.american.edu/spa/ccps// #30CCPS

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Susman: 4) Improve accuracy of reporting. 5) Get lobbyists out of campaign finance. #30CCPS

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Susman: 3) Disclosure of bonuses and contingent fees received by lobbyists. #30CCPS

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Susman: 2) Fuller reporting of lobbying contacts. #30CCPS

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Susman: Personal suggestions for five reforms. 1) Disclosure of grassroots lobbying #30CCPS

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A person must register as a lobbyist if he/she spends more than 20 percent of billable hours on lobbying activities. #30CCPS

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Luneburg: One problem with Lobby Reform Act of '95 is not vagueness, but arbitrary definition. Why 20% rule? Why not 19% or 21%? #30CCPS

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Minarik: We would like to see reporting requirements similar to those that apply to lobbyists.

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Minarik: We need public trust to achieve good policy outcomes. #30CCPS

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Minarik: Not enough transparency in Congress & process is polarized. Need openness, regular order, budget process, calendar changes #30CCPS

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Minarik: Problems with elections include financing and redistricting. Politicians seem to pick their constituents. #30CCPS

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Our panelists are addressing legal issues in lobby reform. #30CCPS

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Also Joeseph Minarik, director of research and Sr. VP: Committee for Economic Development. #30CCPS

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Final panel: William Luneburg and Thomas Susman, authors of "The Lobbying Manual" #30CCPS

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Prof. Thurber quoted by Rueters about the actual number of lobbyists in Washington: http://tinyurl.com/qxv22q #30CCPS

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Thanks to Mr. Eisen for speaking to our lobbying reform panel this afternoon. We will be back after a ten minute break. #30CCPS

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Listed here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/EthicsPledgeWaiversReleasedbytheWhiteHouse/ #30CCPS

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Question: What about the waivers that allow lobbyists to work in administration? Eisen: Very small number and they are listed online #30CCPS

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...Legitimate lobbyist don't mind having contacts listed on-line. #30CCPS

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Question: How does administration regulate "Iron Law of Reciprocity?" Eisen: You don't. Openness is best way... #30CCPS